L Carroll, born Queens County, Ireland, 1835, was superintendent of the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Works, Washington and in 1863 he married Miss Honora J Mc Mahon of Ohio.

Daniel Hannagan, born Queens County, Ireland in 1815 son of Hugh & Margaret (Duley) married Margaret Miller of Queens County. Margaret Miller was born in Queens County in 1825 and the had 11 children.

Laois Castles;

Aghamacart Castle; Carrigan cites the castle to fall in 1801.One of it's walls stood to a height of 20ft circa 1900. It stood forthy perches from the acient graveyard. Aghamacart, Durrow Co Laois.

Ballacolla Castle; According to the Down Survey map there was a ruined castle in 'Ballicola' in the middle of the 17th century. It's site was in the 'old garden' close to the cross-roads of Tintore Laois.

Ballygihen; In Aghaboe parish. Carrigan cites this as a very curious buliding, 45ft long externally and only 12ft wide internally with a projection at the north-east corner, rectangular below and rounded above. The east side-wall was 30ft high; the south wall entirely destroyed; some fragments of the other walls remained when Carrigan wrote his description; the walls were 3 to 4ft thick.The courtyard was still in fair preservation, 12ft high all round and surrounded by a deep fosse.This was Fitzpatrick territory in the 17th century.

Ballykealy castle; At the turn of the 20th century a considerable fragment of Ballykealy castle was still standing. In Aghamacart parish, the local tradition was the castle belonged to a branch of Fitzpatrick, known as the 'Criffins'.

Cahir Castle; Caar castle stood on the highest point of the castle hill in the townland of Newtown, Catholic parish of Durrow, co Laois. It was the property of the Lord of Upper Ossory prior to Cromwell. A noted robber named Mc Cann had his den there in the 18th century and from this circumstance the castle was known as ' Mc Canns' castle.

Coolkerry; About 70 yards south of the old church, stood the castle of Coolkerry in the parish of Coolkerry, Laois. Nothing remained except a closed-up celler at the turn of the 20th century.

There is a curious legend told of a piper who was imprisoned in the Convent Tower. He managed to escape from his capturers by one of the secret passages, but was not lucky enough to find an exit. He still wanders around, still striving to reach the upper air. To dispel the lonliness, he playes the pipes. His favourite tune is Coolin. If you hear this beauthful air, you will know that the piper of Maryborough has not yet found his way out of the maze of tunnels in the Convent grounds.

Maryborough Fort 1833.

Officers to serve;
One Burgomaster
Two Baliffs
Burgeese
One Serg. at Mace
One Town clerk
One Billit master
One Craner or Weighmaster
One poundkeeper.

A generous collection was taken at which included £10 presented by Rev. William Gorman on behalf of James Lindsay, esq, of Cannes.
also attending;
Rev. James Lyons
Rev. W.R. Budd
Rev. J.J. Hutchinson
G Hammond
Mrs. Dunean.

Croppy's grave 1798;
A grave still pointed out in Rathdowney Square, the origin of which has puzzled the local inhabitants for many years, dates from this period. It is known locally as the 'Croppy's' grave, and has always been treated with respect and reverence. In 1798, Jerome Watson, a native of Crosspatrick, parish of Johnstown, was tried in the Garrison, Rathdowney, for an attempted robbery of firearms from the hosue of Mr. Vicars of Levally on 17 March, during which attempt the steward, Mr. Whitaker, was accidentally shot dead. William Vicars, writing to his brother Thomas in Dublin on the 21 March, confirmed the murder of Whitaker, adding that some of the windows in the house were broken, and that he himself was obliged to seek refuge, every night since, at the residence of Robert Flood of Middlemount. A servant girl, who was injured in the affray, gave evidence for the prosecution, and swore that Watson and a man named Hennessy from Moore St., Rathdowney, were guilty of the murder of Whitaker. Hennessy escaped from the district as was never heard of again. Following his conviction Watson was flogged by a man named Harney under the orders of Roberr Flood, J.P., Middlemount, Commander of the Ossory Cavalry, who was primarily responsible for the execution. Watson was then placed on a cart, and hanged from a tree in Rathdowney Square, the rope having being tied around his neck by a young son of Dr. Jacob of Knockfinn. The cart was then drawn from under him, the body cut down, and buried in a grave already prepared for it beneath the tree. A can ofl ime was thrown over the body by Walter Phelan of Ballycoolid, and the grave was then closed. An oblong patch of ground covered with gravel now marks the grave in which Watson was interred.

Maryborough Assizes 1798;
Richard Flynn forced Jas. Hogan to take the oath of the United Irishmen in Derrycarrow. John Kennedy and Terence Gaffney administered the oath of the United Irishmen to Edward Spencer at Donaghmore. Thomas Fitzpatrick was charged with the same offence at Cuddagh, and found not guilty, but guilty of the offence of giving the oath to Patrick Bergin at the same place. Jas. Purcell was found guilty of giving the oath to Thomas Redmond at Badger Hill, and John Shanaghan and Robert Mc Donnell of giving it to Edward Slattery at Borris-in-Ossory. Jas Mc Manus of giving it to Terence Monahan, at Ballybrittas, John Byrne to Tim Mc Evoy, at Timogue, Daniel Daly to Thomas Delaney, a private soldier, at Ballyroan, and Michael Calaghan to Alexander Nolan, a private soldier, in Mountmellick. Robert Tuck was charged with taking a gun from Matt Delaney at Tinnekilly, but found not guilty, while William Culleton was found guilty of taking the gun from Delaney. Thomas Cobbe of Portarlington was charged with joining the United Irishmen; John Larrisy with swearing in John Murray at Boley; and John O Meara with challenging Thomas Fitzgerald to fight a duel; but all three were found not guilty. William Keating was sentenced to death for attacking Frances Empy with a pike;and Patrick Hoey, John Dowling and five others received the same sentence for breaking into the house of John Pigot at Capard and robbing same.

Maryborough Assizes 1799;

James Dunne, Thadey Dunne, John Bambrick, Edward Dowling, Joseph Hardy, John Murphy, Patrick Mc Darby were sentenced to be hanged for breaking into and burning the house of Thomas Conway of Farness. Michael Dalton was senenced to be hanged for breaking into the house of John Whitacre at Boleybeg. William Delaney (or Mc Daniel) to be hanged for breaking into the house of Anne Crosbie at the Harrow. George Savage to be hanged for breaking into and robbing the house of William Coleman of Closeland.

1798;

Thomas Prior, Rathdowney, reported that the 'Tree of Liberty' had been planted on his land about one mile from the town, but had been cut down by Lieutenant Moore, and burned publicly in the 'Square'.

The Irish Famine, The Irish Misery;

The Famine was to Ireland just one more hateful crush
That started with plantations and Cromwell's cruel push
The coercion of the Union a parliament denied;
No native voice to speak for rights saw misery galore
The absentee, the bailiff and gombeen men galore
Reduced a noble people to beggers by the score.
And mansions gold and riches saw England's rulers fed
While Ireland's fields and ditches were littered with our dead.

The Great Heath;

The Great Heath of Maryborough (Portlaoise) was the place of the battle of Cainthinc in the third-century. The stone called Leac Reta where the seven cantreds of ancient Leix met, iron-age ring barrows, bronze-age cultivated ridges, Rath Slane, an annual assembly called an oenach, nineteenth-century horse racing and manoeuvres of the Queen's County Militia.

Borris-in-Ossory 1825;

A melancholy occurrence and which has excited a very deep sensation, has within the last few days taken place in the neighbourhood of Borris-in-Ossory. A gentleman in the Commission of the Peace for the Queen's county, one of the most kind and humane
character, having had a dispute with his brother, who is also a Magistrate, related to keeping cows on the property of the latter, some persons were sent to drive the cows off the lands, one of whom the brother who owned the cattle shot dead on the spot, and wounded another. An Inquest was held on the body, and a verdict of wilful murder returned, and on the Coroner's warrant, he has been committed to Maryborough Jail, for trial at the next Assizes. We have reason to state that this unfortunate gentleman, who made no effort to escape after the commission of this melancholy act, has been for some time past labouring under a fit of insanity, the fulest proofs of which will be produced on the trial.

1556;

Bloody Mary establishes the Fort of Maryborough.

O Moore's and O' Connors constantly attacking the Pale and raiding cattle.
Queen Mary sends army to defeat them and their lands are seized to be planted with loyal settlers.
Her aim was to impose English law, protect the Pale and and control the native population.
Confiscated land was divided into two counties, Queens county (Laois) and Kings county (Offaly) with county towns of Maryborough (Portlaoise) and Philipstown (Daingean)
Land divided into estates of 360acres-two thirds to go to English settlers and the rest ot loyal Gaelic Irish.
Planters had to follow English law, language and customs.
Failure; Only 80 planters came from England, Gaelic Irish continued to raid, but lessons were learned.

2 sheep, the property of Joseph Case, Raheenbrogue, were stolen, and two men, Donovan )a butcher) and his neighbour, Michael Dune have both been commuted to Maryboro for robbery.

Doonane (Famine times)

An area of dense population, and a complete crop failure of the Potato crop in 1846/47, where people, it is said, lay down to die in ditches with weakness from hunger. Many corpses were left unburied and an epdemic of Fever ensued. The old Barracks, now demolished, was used as a soup kitchen.

Famine 'Soup'

At Vicarstown, the estate of Right Hon. James Grattan, son of Henry Grattan, 30 gallons and 120 quarts of soup were made up of
1 Ox head (no tongue)
28lbs turnips.
3lbs onions.
7lb carrots.
21lb pea-meal.
4lb Indian cornmeal
the rest water
(a local shopkeeper described the 'soup' as a "vile compound")

Rathdowney Hero awarded Victoria Cross;

John Moyney VC (8th January 1895-10th November 1980) was born in Rathdowney, Queens County, Ireland. He was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 22 years old, and a Lance-Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broembeek, Belguim, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in command of 15 men forming two advanced posts. Surrounded by the enemy he held his post for 96 hours, having no water and very litle food. On the fifth day, and the enemy advancing to dislodge him, he attacked them with bombs, while also using his Lewis pistol to great effect. Finding himself surrounded, he led his men in a charge through the enemy and reached a stream, where he and a private (Thomas Woodcock) covered his party while they crossed unscathed, before crossing themselves under a shower of bullets.(photo in Image gallery)

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Private Hugh Massey Steele, born Rathdowney, in 1828, died 16/1/1894.
His status is that he probably rode in the 'Charge of the Light Brigade'.
He enlisted at the age of 18 years and was promoted after the charge on 1/11/1854 and was invalided to England on 24/3/1855. He was discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on 12/7/1855 being disabled after frost bite of toes and feet in the Crimea. He was entitled to the Crimea medal with clasps 'Alma' Balaclave' 'Inkerman' and Sebastopal. He lived in Melbourne from 10/10/1857.
Hugh Steele proudly wore his mementoes of his ordeal in Crimea, two Silver medals, one of which was presented personally by Queen Victoria, bearing his name and his Regiment (8th K R Hussars) also on four lines the names of the four great features of that campaign Alma, Balaclave, Inkerman and Sebastopol. The other medal was presented by the Sultan of Turkey "La Crimea 1855 on of the 600.
No more than one third came out of that singular dash.
He died in Cootamundra aged 66 years. He was a Methodist and left a widow and four children aged from 9 years to 21 years.
His other brother Arthur Loftus Steele (Sergeant of Police Victoria) was responsible for the capture of Ned Kelly an in famous Irish outlaw in Australia.

Courtmartial 1821
At a courtmartial at the Curragh, Edward Donohoe, Knockmay, Maryborough, was charged with having a live bomb in an outhouse at the rere of his residence, when searched, and had instructions as to drilling. He was sentenced to 2 years hard labour.
Both he and the Duffs as previously announced have been sent to prison in Scotland to undergo their long sentences.

Courtmartial 1821;
The following is the official report of a courtmartial at the Curragh of Patrick Lynch, Sandy lane Mountmellick. Home searched and letter found re Ireland and England war, and the brave fight Irishmen were making, and that England would soon be sick of it. Sentence of six months without hard labour.

Raid 1821
Raids were carried out by Crown forces on the premises of Mr Richard Brennan, printer, Maryborough, and also the premises occupied by his mother, known as the Refreshment Rooms, Church st.

Two Lalor brothers, Jack and Dandy, with two Hickey brothers, were sitting on Bankers Hill when the patrol of the Blue Horse spotted them. They fled, the Hickey bros torwards the summit of the hill and the Lalor bros down the slope and being young and fit out-distanced their pursuers. Jack faced the enemy with an old Queen Anne gun. A shot from the long-range weapon halted his pursuers long enough to enable him to leap across a river to safety in the woods with his brother.
The Hickeys were not so lucky. They were shot and the cruel soldiers tied them to their horses tails and dragged them up and down the streets of Stradbally. Finally they threw their mangled bodies into the briars near the back entrance to Oughval cemetery.
News reached the Lalor's their brothers were shot and the eldest went to find out if the bodies were indeed their brothers.
They were so mangled that she could not recognise them. All she knew was that they were not her brothers,,, for the socks they wore were not her handiwork.....

Maryborough inquisition (held for the purpose of dividing and uniting parishes) informs us;
Stradbally has 7 townlands, the parsonage was worth £12 and the vicarage £6 per annum. Patron; Trinity College.

Mr. Arthur O Connor asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware, that at the Ballickmoyler Petty Sessions on the 24th ultimo, the following persons were sued for the under-mentioned sums on account of the Extra Police Tax, viz; Margaret Mc Donnell (one halfpenny) Thomas Denaney (2p) Thomas Gorman (1p) Ellen Bruder (1p) John Abbin (5p) John Brennan (4p) William Mackey (3p) and whether he sanctioned these proceedings and whether he will state the grounds on which the Extra Police Tax is levied, and what there is or has been in the district to justify the impost?.
Mr Campbell Bannerman, The persons named were summoned as stated. The police tax is levied according to the valuation of the holdings, and the sums in this case were very small, as they were in payment for a period of only 18 days. The proceedings were taken in ordinary course of law, and my sanction was not required. The extra police force was sent to the district on account of the existence of intimidation and 'Boycotting', whereby it became necessary to afford extra protection to certain obnoxious persons.

Mr O Brien wished to know, in reference to a number of illegal decrees granted in the Monanimy case, whether the Government would pay the expenses of the police who carried out the illegal seizures?

Mr Campbell Bannerman, replied that he was not aware of the circumstances.

Mr. Sexton, I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks it is wise or intelligent proceeding to put the whole machinery of the law in operation for the purpose of enforcing the payment of one halfpenny from a widow?
No reply.

Maryborough Gaol 1884.

Mr. Arthur O Connor asked the Chief Secretary, if it is a fact that, since Maryborough Gaol has been converted into a convict prison, the work of the staff has been very much increased; whether there are eight warders now receiving only local warder's salary, but compelled to do duty as convict warders, whether it is a fact that the warders are not allowed Sunday leave; whether two warders resigned, and two more were discharged, on medical grounds, as unable to perform the excessive work no imposed on them: whether John Gorman died of typhoid fever on the 27th October, and the chief warder and three ordinary warders are now dangerously ill, two in the County infirmary, and two in their homes, owing to excessive confinement; and whether the warders have not been subjected to an unusual number of assaults by the convicts' bordering on insanity' whom they are not numerous enough properly to control?

Mr. Campbell Bannerman, The General Prisons board report to me that it is not a fact that since Maryborough Prison has been converted into a convict prison the work of the staff has been very much increased, and they explain the circumstances which may have given rise to the suggestion in other parts of the question. It is only in case of emergency, caused by absence of warders or otherwise, that local warders are occasionally called to assist in the convict part of the prison. All warders are allowed their proper portion of partial or entire Sunday leave (partial every Sunday, entire one in six) except when absences on leave or through illness prevent. It is not a fact that two warders have resigned owing to excessive work. In a number of years only one has resigned, and he did so a few days after joining the service. It is not a fact that two warders have been invalided owing to excessive work. Warder Gorman, who died recently, did not usually sleep or take his meals in the prison, but with his family in the town. Two warders are at present convalescent in the fever hospital, and two in their quarters in the prison. The medical officer states their illness was not caused by confinement in the prison. As, however, it appears from this statement that there have been five cases of fever among the warders, I shall ask for a further special report as to whether there can by any illness attributed to defects in the building. There have been no serious assualts in the prison, and the Prisons Board report that the staff is quite sufficent to control prisoners.

1782

Maryborough court house was burned down to the ground and all documents stored there were destroyed.

Brian Phelan, the exercise officer in Queens county. He had summoned, for an un-licensed gun, the son of a local magnate, from whom he received a furious note, ending, " A thousand and one poachers in the Queens County, and my son Tom is caught". Brian responded, " I beg to inform you that there are only a thousand poachers in the Queens County since your son Tom was caught"!!

1777

Elglish traveller Arthur Young, stayed in Ballyroan and he said of his experience, where he slept in an Inn kept by animals, who call themselves women, an execrable hole!!

Maryboro District 1832.
Nicholas Connors, Carlow student 1803-06. In his evidence before the House of Commons in 1832 Fr. Nicholas O'Connor, P.P., V.F., stated that since he went to Maryboro' in 1816, there were famines in 1817, 1822 and 1825. The people, he said, were living on the yellow weeds that grew in corn; the people turned yellow from the nature of the food. Children used watch the shades of the sun about 12 noon to see when their mothers would bring home the potatoes. When administering the Last Sacraments he was obliged to pick the straw from the skins of the dying. The people were almost naked at all times. They had no bed-clothes only the clothes they wore during the day. Very often at their death they had only water and potatoes. Fr. O'Connor left Carlow College 1 July, 1814. Dr. Kane had the note: "1817, Dr. Corcoran appointed V.F. J Doyle." This seems to mean that Dr. Corcoran appointed Fr. O'Connor to Maryboro' in 1817, and that Dr. Doyle appointed him V.F. According to his own statement just quoted, he came to Portlaoighise in 1816. The "Catholic Registry" gives him the title of V.G. from 1837 to 1842.

No Flies on the Irish;
In the summer of 1599, the english Lord Lieutenant Robert Deveraux, the Earl of Essex, was defeated at the 'Pass of the Plumes' or Bearna Gletti, in Irish, near the village of Ballyroan, Laois.
Essex's men were plagued during the battle by midges and horseflies, whereas the Laoismen, or Leixmen as the were known then, seemed immune to the harrassment of the insects.
It is said that after the loss, Essex's men said that there were 'no flies on the Rebel Irish'.
Irish folklore records that the Gaelic clans of old each had a plant as a clan smybol. That for the O Moore clan was a heather of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. They added sprigs of a bog plant to their caubeens (caps) to repel insects. This humble plant was called in Gaelic, Raideog. Monks of the monactic era used it in beer manufacture before hops became available.
I wonder how many know this all started with defeat of the english at Ballyroan precisley 500 years ago!

Bambrick; The name was present in Laois 16th century. Mac Lysaght thinks it might be a Scottish toponymic, but it is rare there.

Behan; A literary sept of Laois/Offaly, some of whom moved to Kerry in the last two hundred years.

Bergin;
A family of Laois still extant in its native teritory. Aimheirgin is legendary name meaning "born of song" and belonged to Ireland's first mythological poet.

Boran;
Rare; Kilkenny, Laois. 0' Bordhrain,bodhar=deaf.

Broomfield;
Rare; Laois. English, from a number of placenames.

Brophy;
Numerous. A sept of Ossory (Laois-Kilkenny) where they still flourish. A territorial indication in Ballybrophy, recte, Baile Ui Bhroithe.

Burnell;
Rare; Dublin, Laois, Galway. Anglo-Norman

Cahalane;
Fairly numerous. Cork, Laois(Cahalan)

Caldbeck;
Rare; Laois. English, from place in Cumbria; "cold stream".

Campion;
Fairly numerous. A name which became plentiful in Laois & Kilkenny in the 19th century and still flourishes. Caimpion means "champion".

Cantrell
Rare; A Quaker family of Laois.

Carroll;
Numerous. The personel name Cearbhall is thought to mean " brave in battle". These names relate to a number of septs; e.g. O Carroll of Ely (Laois)

Cashin-en;
Laois, Tipperary, Kilkenny etc. Originally a family of hereditary physicians in Laois, the anglicised versions vary and there seems to be confusion with O Caisin which relates to Munster.

Clavin;
Fairly rare; A somewhat derogatory name; clamh is a mangy creature, a leper. A sept of Laois-Offaly, the name is sometimes anglicised Swords, from confusion with the Irish word claidheamh, a sword, but perhaps deliberately!!

Condell;
Laois, Carlow, Wexford. English 17th century.

Cosby;
Fairly rare; Down, Antrim Laois. English 16th century.

Delaney;
Numerous. The name has always been associated with the area around the Slieve Bloom in Laois.

Dempsey;
Numerous. The sept was seated in Clanmalier, Laois-Offaly, until dispossessed in the 17th century.

Doran;
Numerous. O Deorain, wanderer, exile and by extension, a pilgrim. A noted brehon family of Laois and one of the "Seven Septs" there.

1830
On Thursady night H.B. Wray, Esq, sub-inspector of the police in this county, proceeded about 8 o' clock to the house of a Mr Finegan, at Balliknocker, about two miles from Maryborough, which he expected to be attacked. Mr Wray, who was accompanied by his brother in law, Mr Biddulph, disposed of his forces, consisting of twelve policemen, to the best advantage, leaving four men and Mr Biddulph outside the house consealed. At a few minutes after 10 o' clock a large body of rockites (about fifty) advanced in military order, calling right and left. On their arrival near the house, one of the party perceived a policeman under a cock of hay, and gave alarm. Mr Biddulph and four policemen stationed outside the house, immediately started from their hiding place, and were fired upon by the rockites, happily without effect. The police returned fire. One man, name Conratty, near this town, was shot; four prisoners were taken, two of them wounded. And it is known that others were also badly wounded. Fourten balls, one pair of gloves and eight coats were left by the rockites on the field of action. The prompt conduct of the police outside the house, and the instant flight of the rockites, prevented Mr Wray and the main body of the police from being engaged in the affray, they being in the house, which the did not leave until the fire was halted.

At Maryborough Assizes, John Baker was sentenced to death by Lord Plunkett, for being of the party that attacked the house of Langley Clayton and fired at the police. Three others, names O Connor, Delany and Shortal, were also sentenced for attacking the house of John Hanlon and firing at police. Two men, named Power and Sharpe, are found guilty of attacking and setting on fire the house of Pat Brenan. Daniel Walshe, for a desperate attack and highway robbery of Mr Kemmis, was sentenced to be hanged.

William Delaney and Samuel Shortall were found guilty of attacking the house of John Fingleton, and for firing at Robert Biddelph-sentenced to be transported for 7 years.

1883;
Maryborough, following prisioners were tried.
Curran George, for stabbing John Rafter at Ballyfin, in two parts of his body, by which his life was endangered-Guilty; Not sentenced

Mc Cabe/Maher Michael, for violent assault on Wm. Maughan, which fractured his skull-Guilty. Not sentenced.

Ryan Patrick/Mc Manus John, for serving a threatening notice on Thomas Copeland, of Deerpark for the purpose of inducing him to give up his land. Guilty. Seven years transportartion.

Sharp John, for attacking, with others, the house of John Houghey, of Carlow Graig, taking him from him a gun, and administering an unlawful oath-Guilty. 7 years transportation.

Donnelly Bryan, for assualting the house of Charles Quinn, of Dunsallagh, and swearing him to give up his land-Guilty. 7 years transportation.

Neill Phelam, for attacking the house of C. Mc Carthy, of Kilabaughan, by throwing stones into the house, and stripping thatch off it-Guilty. 7 years transportation.

Captain Singleton, chief magistrate, has fully committed to Maryborough gaol, Patrick Whelan, charged with the murder of Mr. John Baily, on the lands of Inch, near Stradbally, in the month of March 1832, for which offence John Delany was found guilty at the special commission and executed. Mr. Baily was shot in open day whilst supertending his men, and, although mortally wounded, fought hand to hand with the assasins, until he fell daad from loss of blood, and covered with wounds. The magistrate has also committed to Maryborough, a noted character, named John Deegan, for attacking the house of Mr. John Haughey, on the lands of Graigue, near this town, and robbing it of a gun, for which a man named John Sharpe was transported at the last assizes.

Clonaslee;
The first traces of human life in the Clonaslee area can be found at Killnaparson which is the site of a Megalithic Tomb known as the Giant's Grave.
The earlist tombs date back around 5,000BC.
St Manman set up two monasteries in the Clonaslee area in the seventh century. The largest was Kilmanman, meaning, Manman's Church.
The second monastery of St Manman was at Carrigeen in the townland of Garryhedder. An unknown bishop was buried in the graveyard.
Sir Charles Coote's father had established himself in Tinnahinch and he built Castlecuffe. He named the castle after his wife who was Dorothy Cuffe from Cork.
Roskeen Castle was built by Donal O Dunne in 1584 and was destroyed in 1691.
Clarahill Castle was the residence of junior branch of the O Dunne's. It was built in 1600 and demolished in 1900 for road material.
In the 1500's the O Dunne's were a powerful tribe and they ruled over a large area known as Hy-Regan.
Joh Daly was a native of Killnaparson. His family lived near the Giant's Grave.
Today, a stone plaque marks the birthplace of John Daly near the Giant's Grave.

Killalas cemetery;(Mountmellick library)
Killalas is an old graveyard in Brockera about two hundred yards from the Bog road to Mountrath where unbaptised children and strangers who died in the locality were buried. It is on a hill sloping to the East and there is a road from Killalis to Clonenagh. It is said that St Fintan constructed the road in one single night and people often meet it when they are cutting turf, but they never interefere with it. It is called St Fintans road, and it is said that the saint met a poor woman who was crossing the bog and took pity on her and constructed the road.

October, at her residence, Mary st, Brisbane, Elizabeth Blanc, dtr of
the late Sweeney O Donnell, Dunmore, Clare and widow of the late
Christopher Blanc, Portarlington, Queens County.
------------------------------Marriage; 1877

Robert, second son of William Kelly, Queens County, to Julia, youngest daughter of Thoroughgood North, Coolmont, Kings County.
------------------------Death; 1922

Miss Ellen Purcell, who celebrated her 96th birthday on Saturday, at her residence in Bourke st. She was a native of Queens County, Ireland, and came to the State 69 yeard ago, residing in Mailland ever since.
She was never seriously ill until three weeks ago, and despite her great age, she was able to read without the aid of glasses up to 12 months ago.
She has never been on a train and only once on a Tram.
-------------------------------1881 Treason

It is reported that warrents for Treason and Felony have been issued for the arrest of Arthur O Connor, a member from Queens County, Ireland.
-----------------------------------1881; Treason;

The report of the arrest of Mr Arthur O Connor, the member for Queens County, were premature, as he has escaped to England
----------------------------------.1841; Floods.

Owing to recent storms and heavy rains in Ireland, the Barrow River in the North West of the Queens County, overflowed it's banks and submerged thousands of acres in the county.
Many of the small farmers who have been flooded out of their homes are begging on the side of the road.
-----------------------------1842; Postage.

Queens County names on a list of detained letters in the General Post Office as a consequence of the postage required not having been paid;
Farrell Thomas; Mountmellick
Hartford (widow); Abbeyleix.
---------------------1926; Relatives.

Writing from Castlemain st Athlone, Mrs Elizabeth Dooley (nee Lalor) inquires for the whereabouts of some cousins named Kenny.
She says that Mrs Kenny came from Clonad, Maryborough, Queens County, Ireland, her maiden name being Margaret Delaney.
When she last heard from them about 25years ago, they were in
Rockhamilton or Brisbane.
------------------------------1859; Marriage;

1789;
Patt Walsh to be burned in the hand for stealing 5s-6p worth of goods at Maryborough;
Mary Byrne; same punishment, for stealing 5s-10p worth at Ballinakill.
Timothy Byrne; to be hanged for stealing 10s worth at Mountrath.
1790;
James Dalton to be whipped through Billinakill for stealing 3s-3p worth.
1791;
Patt Murphy to be hanged for taking from the person of William Finelay, one pair of breeches value, 2s, and one pair of shoes, with buckles, value 5s.
1800;
Tim Dunne sentenced to death for burglary.
Michael Kavanagh sentenced to death for stealing a watch from Rev. Charles Eustace at Crannagh.
1803;
John Lewes to be burned in the hand for stealing 5s worth of Hay.
Ann Moran to be burned in the hand for stealing £2-17-0 and imprisoned for 6 months.
1829;
The house of Langley Clayton Esq was attacked and one John Baker was arrested.
He was charged with the offence at the ensuing Maryborough Assizes, held on March 13th, convicted and hanged.
House of farmer Patrick Brennan was attacked by two brothers, John & William Power, who assumed the alias Fingleton, but were met with resolute resistance and beaten off.
==================Mountmellick Workhouse;
Mountmellick was selected on the 7/12/1839; The Poor Law Union with an area of 2220,968 acres was to include portions of the Kings county and Queens county.
Its electorial divisions in the Kings county were; Portarlington-Cloneyurke-East & West Bellykean, and in Queens county; Mountmellick- Maryborough-Coolbanagher- Ballybrittas- Castlebrack- Rosenallis- Rearymore- Clonaslee-Ballyfin-Mountrath-East & West Upperwoods;
The workhouse was to accommodate 800 inmates.
It was contracted for work in Aug 1849 to cost £6915 for buildings and £1381 for fittings.
Opened in 1844.
The site and grounds covered six acres, and were ontained for an annual rent of £37-1-0.
The number of guardians was fixed for 30 elected and 10 ex-officio.
The names given for the first Board were;
Ex-Officio;
General Dunne; Chairman of the Board
Captain Tibeado; Deputy Chairman
Lord Portarlington;
John Pigot
Colonel Moore
Chidley Coote
George Newcombe
George Adair
Captain Sandes
William Hamilton.
Elected Guardians;
Mountmellick;
Edward Conroy D.V.C-Joseph Beale- Timothy Dunne-Michael Reynolds.
Portarlington;
Maunsel L Darmer- Bernard Fitzpatrick- George Youell.
Ballybrittas;
Dawson French
Coolbanagher;
George Clarke.
Maryborough;
John Jacob MD-William Clarke- Patrick Dillon-William Lawlor.
Mountrath;
Patrick Lalor-Daniel Egan-Richard Hawkesworth.
Upperwoods;
Edward Cahill-John Tracey-Robert Walepole-Thomas Sawyer.
Ballyfin;
John Dunne-Patrick Lynch
Rosenallis;
Anthony Conroy
Rearymore;
Denis Deery-James Gorman
Clonaslee;
Major R Dunne
West Ballykean;
Daniel Dunne
East Ballykean;
Patrick Carhty
Castlebrack;
Andrew Delany
Cloneyurke;
Henry Warburton.
=======Brereton Family History;

1562-3;
Grant of an old castle in Loghtyoge and the lands of Loghtyoge, Rahniske, Monie, Ballenegarbanaghe and Shanemollen on the west of Raynduff.
Dated; 28/2/1562-3.
Edwards son, Henry, married Margary, daughter of Robert Bowen, and his daughter, Jane, married Alexander Barrington, of Tymogue.
Henry Brereton's eldest son, Edward, succedded his father in 1627 and was high sheriff of the Queens county in 1677.
By his marriage to his cousin Helena Bowen of Ballyadams, he had four sons and two daughters.
The eldest son, John, was attained in 1688 for siding with James 11 and his estate's were sold in 1702.
His brother, Arthur of Raheeduff, by his marriage to Miss Lawless, he had a son, named John, and three daughters.
John was high sheriff of Queens county in 1780 and died in 1816 (94).
His eldest son, Arthur, born 1766, was Captain in the 71st Regiment and died in 1836.
Arthur's heir, John, born 1794, died unmarried in October 1818 (23)
Second son, Ralph Westropp Bererton of Ballyadams, was born 1798 and died 1858.He was a midship in the Royal Navy but left the service on the death of his elder brother John in 1818.
On Ralph's death, 1858, the Queens county Estates of the Breretons were sold and the family connection with the county came to a close.
-------------------------Guide to Irish Quakers Records 1654-1860
(Dublin Library)

1812;
A marriage settlement made in 1812 between Francis Woodcock, Tomalosset Wexford and Mary Neale and her father Richard Neale (Miller) of Mountmellick Queens County.
----

1716;
Indentures of the meeting house of Mountmellick dated 1716, of recent land demised by Arthur Lord, Viscount of Ely, in 1697 between Tobias Pladwell, Mountmellick, and John Barecroft, Kildare, farmer, Henry Ridgeway, Joshua Strangman, both of Mountmellick, and Gershon Boat of Mountrath, John Ridgeway, Ballycarroll, James Pim, Rushin, Joshua Pim, Mountrath.
---

Renewal of lease by Moses Pim, Lackey, to James Anthony Pim and Robert Goodbody, all of Mountmellick.
-----
Indenture made between Robert Clibborn, Joseph Barcroft, both of Dublin, and Experience Cooper of Coopers Hill, Queens County, for renewal for unspecified lease.
----
Memorial of Registration of Deed to Arhtur Broom and Charles Pim of lands near Mountrath, including Derrylusky, Rushin, Clonbarrow and Swinneys farm.
----
1820
Indentures of Conveyance of land bt Charles Pim Jr., to Francis Pim of lands in Clonbarrow, and of lands to Mary White of a house in Mountrath and to William Bowes ditto.
---
1749
Lease of land by Charles Pim to Charlotte White of lands in Mountrath.
---
1756
Lease of lands and property at Redcastle, Arthur Broom of Redcastle to Charles Pim Mountrath.
---
1781
Indentures of Conveyance by representatives of Charles Pim to Charles Pim Jr., at Clonbarrow to Mary Pim at Rushin and Edward Peet at Derrylusky, all in Queens County.
---
1793
Lease of house in Rathdowney from Joseph Palmer of Cuffsborough and Humphrey Palmer of Rathdowney.
----
Will Abstracts;
1844;
Frances Woodcock, Noreville Queens County
Ten pounds to his old servant Judith Burgess, and remainder in toto to wife Mary Woodcock, including annunity from second Clonmel annuity company.
Dated; 12/1/1844
Witnesses; Robert Perry-Rob Rhodes
Proved in Preogative Court 6/1/1848
---
1813;
Mary Sutton; Mountmellick
To Rachel Maria Jackson of Dublin, all books, to Deborah Richardson, white counterpane.
Brother Francis Sutton of Haverford, one shilling.
To Robert Goodbody, an Oak nest of drawers and to William Goodbody, a desk received from his uncle.
Nathaniel Jackson and his wife, Mary, Robert Jackson and his wife Mary, Robert Thacker, executor, £2-5-6 to but Seal and £50 in trust to pay
interest thereof.
To Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Jackson at twenty one years, or on marriage, also £50 in trust.
Also £50 in trust for Joshua Ridgeway with reversion to above Anna Maria and Francis, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Jackson.
Remainder to Hannah Jackson and Mary Tacker.
Dated; 1/1/1813
Witnesses; George R Penrose and R Thacker.
-----
1749;
Mary Pim; Mountrath;
To daughters, Alice Simmons, Mary Roberts, Jane Shannon and Catherine Calcutt;
£2-5-6, £80, £80, and £40 respectively
To son Charles Pim; £40
To sons Thomas Pim and Jonathan Pim;
£160 in equal shares, to remain in executors hands until such time as said sons shall change conduct for better.
If they do so the capital is to remain with execotors and be dealt out in weekly portions as a subsistance for them.
To grandson Joshua Peet; £20
Executors; son Charles Pim
son-in-law William Shannon
Dated; 16/3/1749
Witnesses; William Molloy, John Wyly and Jno Jackman.
---
1747;
Mary Pim; Rushin Queens County.
Widow of Tobias Pim, late Rushin.
To stepsons James & John Pim; and to own eldest and third sons. Charles & Jonathan Pim, five shillings each.
To second son Thomas & niece Mary Powell, equal division of all ready money.
To grandson Tobias under 21 years old, son of Thomas Pim, right and title to lands, etc., Nurney Kildare and Rushin acquired by late husbands Will, with reversion to Thomas Pim in case of death of Tobias.
Remainder to said Thomas & Mary Powell.
Executors; sonss Charles Pim, Jonathan & Thomas Pim
Dated; 15/3/1747
Prover Preogative; 9/8/1949
---
1815
Charles Pim; Mountrath.

To son Charles; House, furniture, chandling and soap boiling utensils with tenemant adjoining all at Mountrath.
Also; Title etc., to lands at Clonbarrow now in possession of Testator and of Laurence Kavanagh.
To son John Pim (under 21) house apputrenances progits etc., of house where John Melboure now lives, (no location given) with reversion in case of death before majority, to said son Charles Pim.
Parts of lands of Rushin and profits thereof, to which Testator is entitled to be put in Trust to son Charles for use of "my brother Johathan Pim and my sister Mary Roberts during their respective lives".
Money bequests to son Charles, John and Francis £200 each wirh reversion to surviver or survivers.
Executor; son Charles Pim, James Pim Mountmellick.
Dated; 6/10/1815
Witnessess; I Calcutt, Tom Knaggs, Richard Morris.
---
1710
William Edmusson

To my wife Mary; all household goods, wool, lining, brass, pewter plate, money in and about the house together with two cows, one horse, or mare, and £100 sterling in money forever.
Likewise, my wife Mary. shall have peaceable dwelling in the house I now live in, with gardens, orchards etc,., grazing for horses,or friends visiting her.
Also, turf for firing on the farm and liberty for life from molestation or rent.
after her decease, all abode priviliges and appurtenances to son Tryal Edmunson;
said son interest in farm of Tineel, excepting aforementioned reserves.
Likewise, the graveyard which I give to my friends, the people in scorn called Quakers.
To said son Tyral, interest in grazing on Derry Lennoys, and his children, forty pounds sterling to be improved by their grandfather and divided to them or survivers with profits.
To children of unhappy son, William, forty pounds sterling, executors to pay it to their father to improve it and give greater part to good and gentle, and lesser to wicked and forward.
To children of unruly son Samuel, forty pounds sterling to be paid to father when Will proved.
To children of foolish and disobedient daughter, Hindrance Seale, Jane, Thomas, Martha, Elizabeth, James Gregory, £10 sterling each, to be improved by executors with advice from Trustees.
To grandson, William Seale, apprentice with Michael Lighfoot, £15 sterling, due on bond from William Grey and William Bushell of Mountmellick, executors to improve till apprenticeship ends.
To rebellious daughter, Anne Moore; wife of Laurence Moore, deceased, her three daughters, Ann, Anna,. Rebecca £10 sterling.
To my seven children William, Samuel, Tryall Edmunson, Mary Fayle, Susanna Sheldon, Hindrance Seale, Anna Moore, £5 sterling each.
Son-in-law Eleazor Sheldon, to account for substance already given in trust for children.
All above donees to discharge with quiteness receipt of legacies.
To children of stepson-in law Thos Strangman, Thos and Susanna Strangman, two guineas to be improved by their grandfather, Thomas Ashton.
Executors; James Hutchinson of Knockballymagher-Thomas Winslow of Birr, Richard Eaves of Ballymoyle, Joshua Strangman of Mountmellick.
Dated; 19/10/1710
Witnessess; Richard Grey-Richard Eaves, Thomas Wilkinson-Richard Clarke.
--Cashin-Rosenallis;

1831;
Will of John Bruton, Boley Abbeyleix.
1856;
Extracts from letters of Lawerance Tobin, Rosebrook, Abbeyleix.
1694;
Presentation by the crown of the Rev. John Shaw to the rectory of Abbeyleix, diocese of Leighlin, and the rectory and vicarage of Rosconnell and Durrow, diocese of Ossory.

1679;1682-2;1684-5;1776;
Title deeds to Knockmay and part of Togher, barony of Maryborough, County Laois, purchased by Denny Mushchamp in 1681.
Together with the related deeds to the lands of Gortinemallagh, Moher, barony of Upper Ossory, Quens County, likewise, purchased from Henry & William Gilbert of Knockmay.

1622-4; 1631; 1660-88;
Title deeds to premises in the Commons of Maryborough, acquired piecemeal by the brothers-in-law, John Vesey, Archbishop of Tuam, and Denny Muschamp in the period 1660-88; including 3 earlier title deeds, one of them also comprising Togher.

1674;
Probate of the Will (1674) of Sir Edward Massey of Abbeyleix, with " a true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels, debts and credits".. of the deceased and a document containing an explanation and interpretation of the Will.[the probate inventory goes into the detail of the value of particular pieces of furniture]

1821;
Probate of the Will (1816) of Bernard Browne of Cottage, County Laois,(present because Browne was a tenant of of De Vesci family in respect of lands and premises in Boley, Abbeyleix and Cottage.)

1819;
Fine of the County Laois estate of the Bell family of Bellbrook (later re-named Millbrook and comprising part of Abbeyleix Demesne.

1837;
Deed of Annuity for Denis Mulhall, Griaguenesmuttin County Laois ,farmer, to Samuel Edge, M.D. of Clonbrock County Laois.

1668-72;
Original bundle of papers of Sir Edward Massey, Senior, grantee of the manor of Abbeyleix, about the estate and debts of of the late Sir Amos Meredith, Bt. of Ballynakill.

1675-8; 1695;
Accounts between Muschamp and his stewart and seneschal for the manor of Abbeyleix, Daniel Green. 1675-8, and two letters to Muschamp from Green, 1695.

1707-11; 1713;
Letters to Thomas Fitzgerald and his wife from John Hutchinson and Mary Nichols, the steward and housekeeper at Abbeyleix, about 'stays' and other minor household matters 1707-11, and two papers about the settlement of a dispute over accounts between Hutchinson and Vesey.

1810;
Letters to the 2nd Viscount De Vesci from one Andrew Fauld about prospecting for coal on Clonkeen, near Abbeyleix. For leases of Clonkeen, at least one of which relates to minerals.

1820-21;
Small bundle of letters and papers of the 2nd Viscount De Vesci about the amicable resolution of a dispute between Sir Robert Staples, 8th Bt. and the Rev. Sewell Stubber of Moyne, near Durrow, over fox-covers at Abbeyleix.

1841-4;1846;
Letters to Stewart & Kincaid from one Thomas Millie, who writes from Derrycavin (Abbeyleix), Maryborough, and elsewhere in the neighbourhood, and appears to have been a Road Surveyor superintending the Abbeyleix-Mountmellick road.

1822-4;
Letters to Vesey from his younger brother, William, about puppies, family news, a great affray at Corbally (between Abbeyleix & Maryborough) in 1822, the opening of a new chapel, and the sermon preached by Dr James Warren Doyle, Roman Catholic Bishop of Leighlin, 1823.

1847-69;
Seventeen folders of letters to De Vesey from the Abbeyleix agent, Edmond L Swan, about all manner of County Laois business.

1870-71;
Two folders of letters to the 3rd Viscount De Vesci from Swan's successor, Colonel Ferderick Bull.

1855-6;
Letters to 3rd Viscount De Vesci, from George Baker, stableman at Abbeyleix.

1855-9;
Letters to the 3rd Viscount De Vesci and Lady De Vesci from Isaac Wager, a former gamekeeper, who writes telling hard-luck stories and asking for money.

1857-62;
Begging letters to the 3rd Viscount from John Collins (apparently a tenant in Abbeyleix town)

1858;
Correspondence about the 3rd Viscount De Vesci's possible purchase of Joshua Evans part of Clonad (near Abbeyleix).

1868; 1875
Original bundle of applications and recommendations to the 3rd Viscount De Vesci for the vacant job of steward of Abbeyleix, 1868, together with a letter from the successful canditate, John Lindsay, 1875.

1873;
Correspondence between the 3rd Viscount and Mrs Isabella Guthrie, (the widow of an employee) who seeks a pension.

1873; 1875;
Letters to the 3rd Viscount from Andrew Cairnduff, an estate employee of at Abbeyleix.

1944-45;
Box of papers written or kept by John Vesey while in prisoner-of-war camp at Stalag, V11A, Moosburg Bavaria.

1917-20;
Original bundle of vouchers produced by Iver Olesen Sidelmann, steward of Abbeyleix.

Executions in Maryborough Gaol;

1835;
Whelan Patrick-Bergin John-Fitzpatrick Patrick

1839;
Gannon Edward.

1848;
D'arcy John-Price Patrick.

1850;
Moore Catherine

1862;
Moore Jeremiah

1941;
Goss Richard

1942;
Plant George

1923;
Geraghty Patrick-Byrne Joseph
==================1724;

Benjamin Bunbury married Mary Kelly, daughter of John Kelly, Clonreher, (just outside Maryborough)
They had three sons-Matthew-Benjamin-Joseph, and 4 daughters-Elizabeth-Anne-Hannah-Diana.
--------1805;

A robbery took place at Lamberton Cottage, where robbers entered the room of Lady Tydd and compelled Lady Tydd to hand over cash and Jewellery to the value of £200.
====1854;

Number of females in the workhouse, 1854, having Illegitimate children under 12 years; 13

Number of females under 50 in the workhouse; 63

Number of children born Illegitimate in the half-year 1854; 2
============1928;

Inquisition at Maryborough, 22/9/1607;
An inquisition indented taken at Maryborough in the Queens County, the 22nd day of September 1607 in the year of the Reign of our sovereign lord King James of England, France and Ireland, the fifth and of Scotland the one and fortieth before Sir Henry Power, knight, William Parsons, Esq, surveyor general of all his Majesty's possessions within this realm, Robarte Piggott, Esq, Alexander Barringtonn, Esq, Piers Owingtonn, Esq, being amongst others assigned in this case, Commissioners by virtue of his Majesty's Letters Patent under the great Seal of this his Highness's realm of Ireland bearing date at Dublin the third day of July in the fifth year of his Majesty's reign of England, Fraunce and Ireland and of Scotland the fortieth which is to these presents annexed. And also after public proclamation in, and by the sheriff of, the said Queen's County in the next market towns where the lands underwritten are situate, lying and being, in manner as in the said Commission is required, by the oaths of good and lawful men of the aforesaid County whose names are here underwritten;
Robert Whitney of Shiane
Marten Shelton of Slety
Thomas Fitzgerald of Emoe
William O Dwigin of Balliduffe
George Hetherington of Tully
Arthur Keatinge of Ballickmoyler
Geffrey Mc Fene of Tentuor
Donell Mc Dermotte of Clone
William Mc Mahowne of Ballinraly
Donell Fitzpatricke of Grangebegge
Shane Mc Donell of Formoyle
William O Fullaine of Knockvaline
Thomas Hardinge of Marriboroghe
Lawerence Allen of same
john Devevete of same
Shane Mc Cassyn of Culkyry.
==========================1915;

In January 1915, a Circle of the Irish Republican Bortherhood was formed in Portlaoise. The following people were sworn in by P J Ramsbottom-
Laurence Brady-Lalors Mills Portlaoise
Thomas Brady-Lalors Mills Portlaoise
Patrick Muldowney-Portlaoise
John Muldowney-Portlaoise
Colum Holohan-Portlaoise
Michael J Sheridan-Portlaoise
Michael Gray-Portlaoise
Michael Walsh-Portlaoise.
===================Wills & Administrations 1898-1922;